[Common features and core disciplines of integrative oncology]

In Switzerland, a wide range of integrative oncology (IO) treatments is offered by various medical disciplines. A certificate of competence (SIWF: Swiss Institute for Medical Education, allows to bill from basic incurance) can be obtained for five disciplines: anthroposophic medicine (VAOAS), classical homeopathy (SVHA), phytotherapy (SMGP), TCM/acupuncture (ASA), and clinical hypnosis (SMSH). For Mind Body Medicine a CAS can be obtained (SFMBM). Integrative Nursing is an important therapeutic partner in many medical disciplines, with own established education programmes. These seven core disciplines of IO are based on different concepts and traditions, but they also have, at least in part, commonalities such as a multidimensional view of humanity, a focus on salutogenesis, the strengthening of self-efficacy, and the importance of lifestyle factors and individualised therapy. These core disciplines are offered with varying availability at the centres of the Swiss Network for Integrative Oncology (SNIO: www.integrative-oncology.ch), generally accompanying conventional oncological therapies and close, transparent communication with oncology specialists. The SNIO aims to develop quality criteria, coordinating treatment offers, promote network research, and encourage further training in order to enable coordinated and quality-assured care.